Books and Digital Technology: A New Industry Model

Abstract

Adoption theory analysis of the e-publishing industry indicates that consumer acceptance of current technology is the greatest barrier to attaining a critical consumer mass. New electronic paper technologies will soon offer a superior consumer alternative. Publishers will be faced with new opportunities and nagging issues related to new competition, content control, and protection of revenue streams requiring strategies that stress rationalization of distribution systems, cross-promotion, strategic pricing, and leveraging of new revenue sources-particularly advertising.